Method and apparatus for attaching tissue to bone

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, said apparatus comprising:
         an anchor body which is longitudinally and laterally deformable; and   a working suture which is connected to said anchor body;   said anchor body and said working suture being configured such that, when at least one of said anchor body and said working suture receives a repair suture which is connected to the first object, and said anchor body is thereafter disposed in a hole in the second object, applying tension to said working suture secures said anchor body to the second object and secures said repair suture to said anchor body without requiring that a knot be tied after said anchor body is disposed in the hole in the second object.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application:

(i) claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/814,403, filed Apr. 22, 2013 by Pivot Medical, Inc. andJeremy Graul et al. for ALL-SUTURE, KNOTLESS BONE ANCHOR (Attorney'sDocket No. FIAN-92 PROV); and

(ii) claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/881,007, filed Sep. 23, 2013 by Pivot Medical, Inc. andJeremy Graul et al. for ALL-SUTURE, KNOTLESS BONE ANCHOR (Attorney'sDocket No. FIAN-96 PROV).

The two (2) above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to surgical methods and apparatus in general, andmore particularly to surgical methods and apparatus for treating a hipjoint and other anatomy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The Hip Joint in General

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint which movably connects the legto the torso. The hip joint is capable of a wide range of differentmotions, e.g., flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, medialand lateral rotation, etc. See FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D.

With the possible exception of the shoulder joint, the hip joint isperhaps the most mobile joint in the body. Significantly, and unlike theshoulder joint, the hip joint carries substantial weight loads duringmost of the day, in both static (e.g., standing and sitting) and dynamic(e.g., walking and running) conditions.

The hip joint is susceptible to a number of different pathologies. Thesepathologies can have both congenital and injury-related origins. In somecases, the pathology can be substantial at the outset. In other cases,the pathology may be minor at the outset but, if left untreated, mayworsen over time. More particularly, in many cases, an existingpathology may be exacerbated by the dynamic nature of the hip joint andthe substantial weight loads imposed on the hip joint.

The pathology may, either initially or thereafter, significantlyinterfere with patient comfort and lifestyle. In some cases, thepathology can be so severe as to require partial or total hipreplacement. A number of procedures have been developed for treating hippathologies short of partial or total hip replacement, but theseprocedures are generally limited in scope due to the significantdifficulties associated with treating the hip joint.

A better understanding of various hip joint pathologies, and also thecurrent limitations associated with their treatment, can be gained froma more thorough understanding of the anatomy of the hip joint.

Anatomy of the Hip Joint

The hip joint is formed at the junction of the leg and the torso. Moreparticularly, and looking now at FIG. 2, the head of the femur isreceived in the acetabular cup of the hip, with a plurality of ligamentsand other soft tissue serving to hold the bones in articulatingrelation.

More particularly, and looking now at FIG. 3, the femur is generallycharacterized by an elongated body terminating, at its top end, in anangled neck which supports a hemispherical head (also sometimes referredto as “the ball”). As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a large projection known asthe greater trochanter protrudes laterally and posteriorly from theelongated body adjacent to the neck of the femur. A second, somewhatsmaller projection known as the lesser trochanter protrudes medially andposteriorly from the elongated body adjacent to the neck. Anintertrochanteric crest (FIGS. 3 and 4) extends along the periphery ofthe femur, between the greater trochanter and the lesser trochanter.

Looking next at FIG. 5, the hip socket is made up of three constituentbones: the ilium, the ischium and the pubis. These three bones cooperatewith one another (they typically ossify into a single “hip bone”structure by the age of 25 or so) in order to collectively form theacetabular cup. The acetabular cup receives the head of the femur.

Both the head of the femur and the acetabular cup are covered with alayer of articular cartilage which protects the underlying bone andfacilitates motion. See FIG. 6.

Various ligaments and soft tissue serve to hold the ball of the femur inplace within the acetabular cup. More particularly, and looking now atFIGS. 7 and 8, the ligamentum teres extends between the ball of thefemur and the base of the acetabular cup. As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, alabrum is disposed about the perimeter of the acetabular cup. The labrumserves to increase the depth of the acetabular cup and effectivelyestablishes a suction seal between the ball of the femur and the rim ofthe acetabular cup, thereby helping to hold the head of the femur in theacetabular cup. In addition to the foregoing, and looking now at FIG.10, a fibrous capsule extends between the neck of the femur and the rimof the acetabular cup, effectively sealing off the ball-and-socketmembers of the hip joint from the remainder of the body. The foregoingstructures (i.e., the ligamentum teres, the labrum and the fibrouscapsule) are encompassed and reinforced by a set of three main ligaments(i.e., the iliofemoral ligament, the ischiofemoral ligament and thepubofemoral ligament) which extend between the femur and the perimeterof the hip socket. See, for example, FIGS. 11 and 12, which show theiliofemoral ligament, with FIG. 11 being an anterior view and FIG. 12being a posterior view.

Pathologies of the Hip Joint

As noted above, the hip joint is susceptible to a number of differentpathologies. These pathologies can have both congenital andinjury-related origins.

By way of example but not limitation, one important type of congenitalpathology of the hip joint involves impingement between the neck of thefemur and the rim of the acetabular cup. In some cases, and looking nowat FIG. 13, this impingement can occur due to irregularities in thegeometry of the femur. This type of impingement is sometimes referred toas cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (i.e., cam-type FAI). In othercases, and looking now at FIG. 14, the impingement can occur due toirregularities in the geometry of the acetabular cup. This latter typeof impingement is sometimes referred to as pincer-type femoroacetabularimpingement (i.e., pincer-type FAI). Impingement can result in a reducedrange of motion, substantial pain and, in some cases, significantdeterioration of the hip joint.

By way of further example but not limitation, another important type ofcongenital pathology of the hip joint involves defects in the articularsurface of the ball and/or the articular surface of the acetabular cup.Defects of this type sometimes start out fairly small but often increasein size over time, generally due to the dynamic nature of the hip jointand also due to the weight-bearing nature of the hip joint. Articulardefects can result in substantial pain, induce and/or exacerbatearthritic conditions and, in some cases, cause significant deteriorationof the hip joint.

By way of further example but not limitation, one important type ofinjury-related pathology of the hip joint involves trauma to the labrum.More particularly, in many cases, an accident or sports-related injurycan result in the labrum being torn away from the rim of the acetabularcup, typically with a tear running through the body of the labrum. SeeFIG. 15. These types of labral injuries can be very painful for thepatient and, if left untreated, can lead to substantial deterioration ofthe hip joint.

The General Trend Toward Treating Joint Pathologies UsingMinimally-Invasive, and Earlier, Interventions

The current trend in orthopedic surgery is to treat joint pathologiesusing minimally-invasive techniques. Such minimally-invasive, “keyhole”surgeries generally offer numerous advantages over traditional, “open”surgeries, including reduced trauma to tissue, less pain for thepatient, faster recuperation times, etc.

By way of example but not limitation, it is common to re-attachligaments in the shoulder joint using minimally-invasive, “keyhole”techniques which do not require large incisions into the interior of theshoulder joint. By way of further example but not limitation, it iscommon to repair torn meniscal cartilage in the knee joint, and/or toreplace ruptured ACL ligaments in the knee joint, usingminimally-invasive techniques.

While such minimally-invasive approaches can require additional trainingon the part of the surgeon, such procedures generally offer substantialadvantages for the patient and have now become the standard of care formany shoulder joint and knee joint pathologies.

In addition to the foregoing, in view of the inherent advantages andwidespread availability of minimally-invasive approaches for treatingpathologies of the shoulder joint and knee joint, the current trend isto provide such treatment much earlier in the lifecycle of thepathology, so as to address patient pain as soon as possible and so asto minimize any exacerbation of the pathology itself. This is in markedcontrast to traditional surgical practices, which have generallydictated postponing surgical procedures as long as possible so as tospare the patient from the substantial trauma generally associated withinvasive surgery.

Treatment for Pathologies of the Hip Joint

Unfortunately, minimally-invasive treatments for pathologies of the hipjoint have lagged far behind minimally-invasive treatments forpathologies of the shoulder joint and the knee joint. This is generallydue to (i) the constrained geometry of the hip joint itself, and (ii)the nature and location of the pathologies which must typically beaddressed in the hip joint.

More particularly, the hip joint is generally considered to be a “tight”joint, in the sense that there is relatively little room to maneuverwithin the confines of the joint itself. This is in marked contrast tothe shoulder joint and the knee joint, which are generally considered tobe relatively “spacious” joints (at least when compared to the hipjoint). As a result, it is relatively difficult for surgeons to performminimally-invasive procedures on the hip joint.

Furthermore, the pathways for entering the interior of the hip joint(i.e., the natural pathways which exist between adjacent bones and/ordelicate neurovascular structures) are generally much more constrainingfor the hip joint than for the shoulder joint or the knee joint. Thislimited access further complicates effectively performingminimally-invasive procedures on the hip joint.

In addition to the foregoing, the nature and location of the pathologiesof the hip joint also complicate performing minimally-invasiveprocedures on the hip joint. By way of example but not limitation,consider a typical detachment of the labrum in the hip joint. In thissituation, instruments must generally be introduced into the joint spaceusing an angle of approach which is offset from the angle at which theinstrument addresses the tissue. This makes drilling into bone, forexample, significantly more complicated than where the angle of approachis effectively aligned with the angle at which the instrument addressesthe tissue, such as is frequently the case in the shoulder joint.Furthermore, the working space within the hip joint is typicallyextremely limited, further complicating repairs where the angle ofapproach is not aligned with the angle at which the instrument addressesthe tissue.

As a result of the foregoing, minimally-invasive hip joint proceduresare still relatively difficult to perform and hence less common inpractice. Consequently, many patients are forced to manage their hippain for as long as possible, until a resurfacing procedure or a partialor total hip replacement procedure can no longer be avoided. Theseprocedures are generally then performed as a highly-invasive, openprocedure, with all of the disadvantages associated withhighly-invasive, open procedures.

As a result, there is, in general, a pressing need for improved methodsand apparatus for treating pathologies of the hip joint.

Re-Attaching the Labrum of the Hip Joint

As noted above, hip arthroscopy is becoming increasingly more common inthe diagnosis and treatment of various hip pathologies. However, due tothe anatomy of the hip joint and the pathologies associated with thesame, hip arthroscopy is currently practical for only selectedpathologies and, even then, hip arthroscopy has generally met withlimited success.

One procedure which is sometimes attempted arthroscopically relates tothe repair of a torn and/or detached labrum. This procedure may beattempted when the labrum has been damaged but is still sufficientlyhealthy and capable of repair. The repair can occur with a labrum whichis still attached to the acetabulum or after the labrum has beendeliberately detached from the acetabulum (e.g., so as to allow foracetabular rim trimming to treat a pathology such as a pincer-typefemoroacetabular impingement) and needs to be subsequently re-attached.See, for example, FIG. 16, which shows a normal labrum which has itsbase securely attached to the acetabulum, and FIG. 17, which shows aportion of the labrum (in this case the tip) detached from theacetabulum. In this respect it should also be appreciated that repairingthe labrum rather than removing the labrum is generally desirable,inasmuch as studies have shown that patients whose labrum has beenrepaired tend to have better long-term outcomes than patients whoselabrum has been removed.

Unfortunately, current methods and apparatus for arthroscopicallyrepairing (e.g., re-attaching) the labrum are somewhat problematic. Thepresent invention is intended to improve upon the current approaches forlabrum repair (as well as to improve upon the current approaches forother anatomical repairs).

More particularly, current approaches for arthroscopically repairing thelabrum typically use apparatus originally designed for use inre-attaching ligaments to bone. For example, one such approach utilizesa screw-type anchor, with two lengths of suture extending therefrom, andinvolves deploying the anchor in the acetabulum above the labrumre-attachment site. After the anchor has been deployed, one length ofsuture is passed either through the detached labrum or, alternatively,around the detached labrum. Then that length of suture is tied to theother length of suture so as to secure the labrum against the acetabularrim. See FIG. 18.

Unfortunately, suture anchors of the sort described above aretraditionally used for re-attaching ligaments to bone and, as a result,tend to be relatively large, since they must carry the substantialpull-out forces normally associated with ligament reconstruction.However, this large anchor size is generally unnecessary for labrumre-attachment, since the labrum is not subjected to substantial forces,and the large anchor size typically causes unnecessary trauma to thepatient.

Furthermore, the large size of traditional suture anchors can beproblematic when the anchors are used for labrum re-attachment, sincethe suture anchors generally require a substantial bone mass for secureanchoring, and such a large bone mass is generally available only asubstantial distance up the acetabular shelf. In addition, the largesize of the suture anchors generally makes it necessary to set thesuture anchor a substantial distance from the articulating surfaces ofthe joint, in order to ensure that the distal tip of the suture anchordoes not inadvertently break through the acetabular shelf and contactthe articulating surfaces of the joint. However, labral re-attachmentutilizing a suture anchor set high up into the acetabular shelf createsa suture path, and hence a labral draw force, which is not directlyaligned with the portion of the acetabular rim where the labrum is to bere-attached. As a result, an “indirect” draw force (also known as“eversion”) is typically applied to the labrum, i.e., the labrum isdrawn around the rim of the acetabulum rather than directly into theacetabulum. See FIG. 18. This can sometimes result in a problematiclabral re-attachment and, ultimately, can lead to a loss of the suctionseal between the labrum and femoral head, which is a desired outcome ofthe labral re-attachment procedure. Using suture anchors of a smallersize allows the suture anchor to be set closer to the rim of theacetabulum, which can help reduce this effect. See FIG. 19.

In addition to the foregoing, suture anchors of the sort described abovetypically require that a knot be tied at the surgical site in order tosecure the labrum to the acetabulum. This can be time-consuming andinconvenient to effect due to the nature of the minimally-invasive,“keyhole” surgery. More particularly, and as noted above, the sutureanchor typically has a suture connected thereto so that two lengths ofsuture extend from the suture anchor and are available to secure thelabrum to the acetabulum (which receives the suture anchor). One or bothof the two lengths of suture are passed through or around the labrum andthen knotted to one another so as to secure the labrum to theacetabulum. However, it can be time-consuming and inconvenient to formthe knot at the surgical site, given the limited access to the surgicalsite and the restricted work space at the surgical site.

Accordingly, a new approach is needed for arthroscopically re-attachingthe labrum to the acetabulum.

It would also be desirable to provide a new approach for attaching othertissue to bone, and/or for attaching another object to bone, and/or forattaching an object to tissue other than bone (e.g., cartilage, etc.).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus forre-attaching the labrum to the acetabulum.

Among other things, the present invention provides a novel suture anchorsystem which may be used to re-attach the labrum to the acetabulum,and/or to attach other tissue to bone.

In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided asuture anchor system wherein a loop of suture is passed through thelabrum (or other tissue) and its two free ends are slidably connected to(e.g., slidably threaded through) the body of the suture anchor. Afterthe body of the suture anchor is advanced into the acetabulum (or otherbone) and the loop of suture is tensioned so as to hold the labrum (orother tissue) in place against the acetabulum (or other bone), the bodyof the suture anchor is reconfigured so as to lock the suture anchor tothe bone and to lock the loop of suture to the body of the suture anchorand hence secure the labrum (or other tissue) to the acetabulum (orother bone). Significantly, the present invention allows the loop ofsuture to be locked to the body of the suture anchor without requiring aknot to be tied at the surgical site during the procedure.

The present invention also provides a new approach for attaching othertissue to bone, and/or for attaching another object to bone, and/or forattaching an object to tissue other than bone (e.g., cartilage, etc.).

In one form of the present invention, there is provided apparatus forsecuring a first object to a second object, said apparatus comprising:

an anchor body which is longitudinally and laterally deformable; and

a working suture which is connected to said anchor body;

said anchor body and said working suture being configured such that,when at least one of said anchor body and said working suture receives arepair suture which is connected to the first object, and said anchorbody is thereafter disposed in a hole in the second object, applyingtension to said working suture secures said anchor body to the secondobject and secures said repair suture to said anchor body withoutrequiring that a knot be tied after said anchor body is disposed in thehole in the second object.

In another form of the present invention, there is provided a method forsecuring a first object to a second object, said method comprising:

providing apparatus comprising:

-   -   an anchor body which is longitudinally and laterally deformable;        and    -   a working suture which is connected to said anchor body;    -   said anchor body and said working suture being configured such        that, when at least one of said anchor body and said working        suture receives a repair suture which is connected to the first        object, and said anchor body is thereafter disposed in a hole in        the second object, applying tension to said working suture        secures said anchor body to the second object and secures said        repair suture to said anchor body without requiring that a knot        be tied after said anchor body is disposed in the hole in the        second object;

passing the repair suture through the first object

passing the repair suture through at least one of said anchor body andsaid working suture;

disposing said anchor body in a hole in the second object; and

applying tension to said working suture to secure said anchor body tothe second object and secure said repair suture to said anchor bodywithout requiring that a knot be tied after said anchor body is disposedin the hole in the second object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will bemore fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is tobe considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein likenumbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1D are schematic views showing various aspects of hip motion;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing bone structures in the region of thehip joint;

FIG. 3 is a schematic anterior view of the femur;

FIG. 4 is a schematic posterior view of the top end of the femur;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the pelvis;

FIGS. 6-12 are schematic views showing bone and soft tissue structuresin the region of the hip joint;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing cam-type femoroacetabularimpingement (i.e., cam-type FAI);

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing pincer-type femoroacetabularimpingement (i.e., pincer-type FAI);

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a labral tear;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a normal labrum which has its basesecurely attached to the acetabulum;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a portion of the labrum detachedfrom the acetabulum;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a suture anchor being used tore-attach the labrum to the acetabulum;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing another suture anchor being used tore-attach the labrum to the acetabulum;

FIGS. 20-26 show one preferred suture anchor system formed in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 27 and 28 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 29 and 30 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 31 and 32 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 33 and 34 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 35 and 36 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 37 and 38 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 39-41 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 42 and 43 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 44 and 45 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 46 and 47 show another preferred suture anchor system formed inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus forre-attaching the labrum to the acetabulum.

Among other things, the present invention provides a novel suture anchorsystem which may be used to re-attach the labrum to the acetabulum,and/or to attach other tissue to bone.

In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided asuture anchor system wherein a loop of suture is passed through thelabrum (or other tissue) and its two free ends are slidably connected(e.g., slidably threaded through) the body of the suture anchor. Afterthe body of the suture anchor is advanced into the acetabulum (or otherbone) and the loop of suture is tensioned so as to hold the labrum (orother tissue) in place against the acetabulum (or other bone), the bodyof the suture anchor is reconfigured so as to lock the body of thesuture anchor to the bone and to lock the loop of suture to the body ofthe suture anchor and hence secure the labrum (or other tissue) to theacetabulum (or other bone). Significantly, the present invention allowsthe loop of suture to be locked to the body of the suture anchor withoutrequiring a knot to be tied at the surgical site during the procedure.

The present invention also provides a new approach for attaching othertissue to bone, and/or for attaching another object to bone, and/or forattaching an object to tissue other than bone (e.g., cartilage, etc.).

TERMINOLOGY

Within this document, the following terms are intended to generally havethe following meanings:

“Deploy” is intended to mean to change the shape of the body of thesuture anchor (the “anchor body”) such that the anchor body is securedin a bone hole (whereby to secure the suture anchor to the bone);

“Lock” is intended to mean to affix the loop of suture passed throughthe labrum (i.e., the “repair suture”) to the anchor body;

“Working Suture” is intended to mean the suture(s) used to deploy theanchor body and to lock the repair suture to the anchor body;

“Deployment Strand” is intended to mean the side of the working suturethat deploys the anchor body;

“Locking Strand” is intended to mean the side of the working suture thatlocks the repair suture to the anchor body;

“Repair Suture” is intended to mean the suture passed through the labrum(or other target tissue) and used to affix the target tissue to bone;

“Repair Loop” is intended to mean the portion of the repair suture thatpasses through the target tissue;

“Decoupled Construction” is intended to mean a design wherein deploymentof the anchor body and locking of the repair suture to the anchor bodyare divided into two separate steps (i.e., where lateral anchor bodyexpansion, and locking the repair suture to the anchor body, occur intwo separate steps); and

“Coupled Construction” is intended to mean a design wherein deploymentof the anchor body and locking of the repair suture to the anchor bodyoccur in the same step (i.e., where lateral anchor body expansion, andlocking the repair suture to the anchor body, occur in a single step).

Labral Re-Attachment Procedure and Categories of Designs

To re-attach the labrum to the acetabulum in the hip joint, a singlestrand of suture (i.e., the repair suture) is first passed through thelabrum, and then the two free ends of the repair suture are passedthrough the anchor body to create a repair loop. The two free ends ofthe repair suture may be passed through the anchor body in several ways,and the different approaches for doing this can be used to differentiatethe various designs of the present invention.

The designs in which the repair suture is passed through a locking knot(e.g., a constrictor knot, a double constrictor knot, a boa knot, etc.)may be categorized as “active suture locking designs” (see, for example,FIGS. 20-32 and 39-47), since the constrictor knot may be activelyclosed down on the repair suture.

The designs in which the repair suture is bound to the anchor body byfriction and/or compression may be categorized as “passive suturelocking designs” (see, for example, FIGS. 33-38).

Once the repair suture is passed through the anchor body, the anchorbody is inserted into a pre-drilled bone hole using an inserter tool(e.g., an inserter tool I). Then the anchor body is laterally expanded(i.e., deployed in the bone), and the repair suture is locked to theanchor body. The specific manner in which the anchor body is laterallyexpanded and the repair suture is locked to the anchor body can beaccomplished in several ways, and the different approaches can also beused to differentiate the various designs of the present invention.

For designs utilizing a “coupled construction” (see, for example, FIGS.27-38), the repair suture (and hence the repair loop passing through thetarget tissue) is tensioned so as to position the target tissue at thedesired location, and then the working suture(s) is/are pulled so as tosimultaneously deploy the anchor body in the bone hole and lock therepair suture to the anchor body.

For designs utilizing a “decoupled construction” (see, for example,FIGS. 20-26 and 39-47), the deployment strand of the working suture istensioned first so as to deploy the anchor body in the bone hole, thenthe repair suture (and hence the repair loop passing through the targettissue) is tensioned so as to position the target tissue at the desiredlocation, and finally the locking strand of the working suture istensioned so as to lock the repair suture to the anchor body. Thislatter approach (i.e., the decoupled construction) allows the user totighten the repair loop so as to position the target tissue at thedesired location after the anchor body has been positioned in the bonehole and deployed.

Active Suture Locking Design with Decoupled Construction

FIGS. 20-26 illustrate a suture anchor system 5 which comprises threeelements: an anchor body 10 which is longitudinally and laterallydeformable, and which is preferably in the form of a braided suture, arepair suture 15 which is connected to the target tissue with a repairloop 20, and a working suture 25 which deploys anchor body 10 and locksrepair suture 15 to anchor body 10. Working suture 25 is threadedthrough loops (or eyelets) 30 in anchor body 10 so as to create anintertwined configuration. A portion of working suture 25 is tied into aknot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot).

More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 21 and 24, anchor body 10 ispreferably formed out of braided suture and bifurcated so as to createthe aforementioned loops 30 which working suture 25 is slidably threadedthrough. The limb 40 of working suture 25 which is used to create knot35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) is sometimes referred to herein as thelocking strand. The limb 45 of working suture 25 which is used to deployanchor body 10 (see below) is sometimes referred to herein as thedeployment strand. Knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) protrudes fromanchor body 10 and is initially in an open, “unlocked” state. Repairsuture 15 is passed through the target tissue and then through unlockedknot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) prior to anchor body 10 beinginserted into the bone hole. Anchor body 10 is then inserted into thebone hole in the state shown in FIGS. 21 and 24 using an inserter (e.g.,such as the inserter tool I).

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 25, after anchor body 10 is placed into thebone hole, anchor body 10 is deployed by applying tension to deploymentstrand 45 of working suture 25. Deployment strand 45 of working suture25 is distinguished by being the suture limb which first threads throughsubstantially the length of anchor body 10 and then forms knot 35 (e.g.,a constrictor knot); locking strand 40 of working suture 25 isdistinguished by being the suture limb which first threads through onlya portion of the length of anchor body 10 and then forms knot 35 (e.g.,a constrictor knot). By applying tension to deployment strand 45 ofworking suture 25, loops 30 in anchor body 10 are pulled together, whichforces the distance between loops 30 to decrease and thereby creates the“S” formation for anchor body 10 shown in FIGS. 22 and 25. This “S”formation for anchor body 10 is wider, in a lateral sense, than theoriginal pre-deployment state for anchor body 10 and engages the sidewall of the bone hole so as to secure anchor body 10 in the bone hole.In other words, by applying tension to deployment strand 45 of workingsuture 25, anchor body 10 is longitudinally shortened and laterallyexpanded so as to bind anchor body 10 in the bone hole. Note that evenafter deployment of anchor body 10 in the bone hole, repair suture 15can still slide within anchor body 10, i.e., within knot 35 (e.g., aconstrictor knot) of working suture 25, so that the surgeon can stilladjust the tension of repair loop 20, whereby to reposition the targettissue.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 26, locking strand 40 of working suture 25 isthen pulled so as to tighten knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) aroundrepair suture 15, thereby securing repair loop 20 to anchor body 10. Inother words, when locking strand 40 of working suture 25 is pulledtight, knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) goes from an “unlocked” stateto a “locked” state. Locked knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) preventsrepair suture 15 from moving relative to anchor body 10, and hence locksthe target tissue to the bone. The inserter tool (e.g., the insertertool I) can be removed at this point in the procedure (inserter tool Iis not shown in FIGS. 22-26 for clarity).

Although anchor body 10 is shown as a braided suture with bifurcations,it can also be a woven construction. The anchor body 10 may take theform of a rope or tube (in case of a braided structure) or a tape (inthe case of a woven structure). If desired, anchor body 10 can comprisebioactive materials so as to give it desired properties, e.g., it can beformed out of bioabsorbable or bioresorbable materials, it can includehydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate, etc.

It should be appreciated that knot 35 can be a locking or binding knotof the sort known in the art; for example, knot 35 can be a constrictorknot, a double constrictor knot, a boa knot, etc. If desired, knot 35(e.g., a constrictor knot) can include a treatment to provide it with ashape-retaining tendency, such that it will tend to retain its unlockedstate to facilitate easier threading of the ends of repair suture 15through anchor body 10. For example, heat or wax can be applied to knot35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) to increase its rigidity.

It will be appreciated that with the design shown in FIGS. 20-26, sutureanchor system 5 uses a so-called decoupled construction since deploymentand locking are divided into two separate steps (i.e., lateral anchorbody expansion when deployment strand 45 of working suture 25 istensioned, and locking of repair suture 15 to anchor body 10 whenlocking strand 45 of working suture 25 is tensioned).

Active Suture Locking Design with Coupled Construction

FIGS. 27-32 show a suture anchor system 5 which also comprises threeelements: anchor body 10 which is longitudinally and laterallydeformable, and which is preferably in the form of a braided suturetube, repair suture 15 which is connected to the target tissue viarepair loop 20, and working suture 25 which deploys anchor body 10 andsecures repair suture 15 to anchor body 10. The two proximal ends 50A,50B of anchor body 10 preferably comprise bone-engagement features 55A,55B which are hardened and/or shaped in such a way as to enhance boneengagement and thereby resist slippage when a force in the proximaldirection is applied to anchor body 10. Working suture 25 may comprise asingle strand that is threaded through anchor body 10 twice such thatboth ends 60A, 60B of working suture 25 terminate in locking, slidingknots 65A, 65B (e.g., Weston knots). The portion of working suture 25which is disposed outside of anchor body 10 may be a continuous loop 70extending outside of the body of the patient. Sliding knots 65A, 65B(e.g., Weston knots) are tied in such a way as to allow the suturestrand which is passing through the sliding knot to slide in onedirection only and prevent (i.e., lock) the suture from sliding in theother direction. The purpose of sliding knots 65A, 65B is to assist incompressing and expanding anchor body 10. Working suture 25 comprises aknot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) near the middle of anchor body 10.Knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) protrudes from anchor body 10 througha window 75 located at the distal end of anchor body 10 and is initiallyin an open, “unlocked” state, with repair suture 15 extending throughknot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) of working suture 25. Anchor body 10is inserted into the bone hole in the state shown in FIG. 27 using aninserter (e.g., the inserter tool I, shown in FIG. 27 but not shown inFIG. 28 for clarity).

FIG. 28 shows the suture anchor system 5 of FIG. 27 in a deployed andlocked state. After repair loop 20 is appropriately tensioned, anchorbody 10 is deployed (i.e., laterally expanded) in the bone hole andlocked by applying a proximal force to loop 70 of working suture 25.More particularly, the bone-engagement features 55A, 55B of the twoproximal ends 50A, 50B of anchor body 10 interact with the side wall ofthe bone hole and prevent anchor body 10 from moving proximally out ofthe bone hole. Thereafter applying a proximal force to loop 70 ofworking suture 25 causes two actions to occur:

(i) knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) of working suture 25 goes from an“unlocked” state to a “locked” state, tightening around repair suture 15and thereby securing repair suture 15 to anchor body 10; and

(ii) locking, sliding knots 65A, 65B (e.g., the Weston knots) in workingsuture 25 slide along the limbs of working suture 25, causing anchorbody 10 to longitudinally compress and laterally expand—the lateralexpansion of anchor body 10 provides additional securement of anchorbody 10 in the bone hole, and the locking nature of sliding knots 65A,65B (e.g., the Weston knots) prevents them from sliding in the oppositedirection along working suture 25 once locked, thereby preventing anchorbody 10 from reverting to its initial unexpanded state.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show another suture anchor system 5 which also utilizesthree elements, i.e., anchor body 10 which is longitudinally andlaterally deformable, and which is preferably in the form of a braidedsuture tube, repair suture 15 which is connected to the target tissuevia repair loop 20, and working suture 25 which deploys anchor body 10and secures repair loop 20 to anchor body 10. As seen in FIG. 29,working suture 25 is threaded through anchor body 10 once and terminatesin a bulky stopper knot 80 (e.g., an Ashley-Stopper knot). Knot 35(e.g., a constrictor knot) is tied along the portion of working suture25 that passes through anchor body 10. Knot 35 (e.g., a constrictorknot) protrudes from anchor body 10 through window 75 located in anchorbody 10, and is initially in an open, “unlocked” state. Anchor body 10is inserted into the bone hole using an inserter (e.g., such as theinserter tool I, shown in FIG. 29 but not shown in FIG. 30 for clarity)with knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) of working suture 25 and stopperknot 80 of working suture 25 being longitudinally spaced from oneanother in the manner shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 30 shows the suture anchor system of FIG. 29 in a deployed andlocked state. After anchor body 10 is placed into a bone hole, andrepair suture 15 is tensioned to the desired position (i.e., by pullingon the free ends of repair suture 15), anchor body 10 is deployed (i.e.,expanded laterally to engage the side wall of the bone hole) and locked(i.e., repair loop 20 is locked to anchor body 10) by applying aproximal force to working suture 25. More particularly, bone-engagementfeatures 55A, 55B of anchor body 10 interact with the side wall of thebone hole and prevent anchor body 10 from moving proximally out of thebone hole. Thereafter applying a proximal force to working suture 25causes two actions to occur:

(i) knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) of working suture 25 goes from an“unlocked” state to a “locked” state, tightening around repair suture15, and thereby securing repair suture 15 to anchor body 10; and

(ii) knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) of working suture 25 movesproximally due to the deployment force, but is impeded by engagement ofstopper knot 80 of working suture 25 with the surrounding anchor body10. This action causes anchor body 10 to expand laterally, therebysecuring the suture anchor 5 to the bone.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show another suture anchor system 5 which also utilizesthree elements, i.e., anchor body 10 which is longitudinally andlaterally deformable, and which is preferably in the form of a braidedsuture tube, repair suture 15 which is connected to the target tissuevia repair loop 20, and working suture 25 which deploys anchor body 10and secures repair suture 15 to anchor body 10. Again, a knot 35 (e.g.,a constrictor knot) in working suture 25 actively deploys (i.e.,laterally expands) anchor body 10 and locks repair suture 15 to anchorbody 10. However, as seen in FIG. 31, in this form of the invention,anchor body 10 is not folded so as to become U-shaped upon insertioninto the bone hole, but instead remains substantially straight withinthe bone hole (and is axially compressed so as to be laterally expanded,as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail). Additionally, thedistal portion 85 of anchor body 10 has a reduced diameter which allowsanchor body 10 to be inserted into a bone hole with an inserter tool(e.g., such as the inserter tool I, shown in FIG. 31 but not shown inFIG. 32 for clarity) positioned within the inner diameter of anchor body10. Working suture 25 is threaded or woven through the walls of anchorbody 10, and knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) is tied in workingsuture 25 at the distal tip of anchor body 10. In the pre-deployedstate, repair suture 15 is able to slide through knot 35 (e.g., aconstrictor knot) in working suture 25 inasmuch as knot 35 (e.g., aconstrictor knot) is initially in an open, “unlocked” state.

FIG. 32 shows the suture anchor system of FIG. 31 in a deployed (i.e.,laterally expanded) and locked (i.e., repair suture 15 is locked toanchor body 10) state. Anchor body 10 is expanded and locked by applyinga proximal force to working suture 25. More particularly,bone-engagement features 55A, 55B of suture anchor 10 interact with theside wall of the bone hole and prevent anchor body 10 from movingproximally out of the bone hole during the initial anchor bodyinsertion. Thereafter applying a proximal force to working suture 25causes two actions to occur:

(i) the interwoven working suture 25 causes anchor body 10 tolongitudinally compress and laterally expand—this lateral expansionsecures anchor body 10 in the bone hole; and

(ii) knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) in working suture 25 istightened around repair suture 15, such that knot 35 (e.g., aconstrictor knot) goes from an “unlocked” state to a “locked” state,thereby securing repair suture 15 to anchor body 10.

If desired, the anchor body 10 of the suture anchor system 5 of FIGS. 31and 32 can be constructed so as to have different properties along itslength. By way of example but not limitation, the proximal section 90 ofanchor body 10 may be a tight, high density braid that does not changesize/shape as anchor body 10 is deployed, and the distal section 85 ofanchor body 10 can be designed to compress and expand. This constructionhas the effect of causing distal section 85 of anchor body 10 to expandlaterally while proximal section 90 of suture anchor 5 remainssubstantially constant in diameter. The inserter tool I is then removed.

Passive Suture Locking Design with Coupled Construction

FIGS. 33 and 34 show another suture anchor system 5 which also utilizesthree elements, i.e., anchor body 10 which is longitudinally andlaterally deformable, and which is preferably in the form of a braidedsuture tube, repair suture 15 which is connected to the target tissuevia repair loop 20, and working suture 25 which deploys anchor body 10and secures repair suture 15 to anchor body 10. However, in this form ofthe invention, both limbs of repair suture 15 are loaded through theside of anchor body 10, and working suture 25 has a one-way locking,sliding knot 95 (e.g., a Weston knot) instead of a knot 35 (e.g., aconstrictor knot or double constrictor knot or boa knot, etc.). In thepre-deployed state (FIG. 33), repair suture 15 is able to slide throughanchor body 10. Working suture 25 passes through anchor body 10 twiceand terminates at one end with the one-way locking, sliding knot 95,while the other end of the working suture 25 extends proximally outsideanchor body 10 and serves as both the locking strand and deploymentstrand of working suture 25. Anchor body 10 is inserted into the bonehole in the state shown in FIG. 33 using an inserter (e.g., such as theinserter tool I, shown in FIG. 33 but not shown in FIG. 34 for clarity).

FIG. 34 shows the suture anchor system 5 of FIG. 33 in a deployed (i.e.,laterally expanded) and locked (i.e., repair suture 15 is locked toanchor body 10) state. Anchor body 10 is expanded and locked by applyinga proximal force to deployment strand 45 of working suture 25. Moreparticularly, bone-engagement features 55A, 55B of anchor body 10interact with the side wall of the bone hole and prevent suture anchor 5from moving proximally out of the bone hole during initial anchor bodyinsertion. Thereafter applying a proximal force to deployment strand 45of working suture 25 causes two actions to occur:

(i) the one-way, locking sliding knot 95 of working suture 25 slidesalong the limb of working suture 25, causing anchor body 10 tolongitudinally compress and laterally expand—the lateral expansion ofanchor body 10 secures anchor body 10 in the bone hole, and the lockingnature of one-way locking, sliding knot 95 of working suture 25 preventsworking suture 25 from sliding in the opposite direction once locked,thus preventing anchor body 10 from reverting to its initial unexpandedstate; and

(ii) the lateral expansion of anchor body 10 compresses repair suture 15against the side wall of the bone hole—the friction between repairsuture 15, one-way locking, sliding knot 95 in working suture 25 andanchor body 10 secures the repair suture 15 to anchor body 10.

FIGS. 35 and 36 show another suture anchor system 5 which also utilizesthree elements, i.e., anchor body 10 which is longitudinally andlaterally deformable, and which is preferably in the form of a braidedsuture tube, repair suture 15 which is connected to the target tissuevia repair loop 20, and working suture 25 which deploys anchor body 10and secures repair suture 15 to anchor body 10. Anchor body 10 isinserted into the bone hole in the state shown in FIG. 35 using aninserter (such as the inserter I shown in FIG. 35 but not shown in FIG.36 for clarity). However, in this form of the present invention, repairsuture 15 is a barbed suture having an eyelet 100 disposed at one end ofrepair suture 15. Eyelet 100 is used to create the repair loop 20through the target tissue and barbs 105 allow the repair suture 15 to betensioned and held in place. In this design, only a single strand ofbarbed repair suture 15 passes through anchor body 10. Alternatively abi-directional barbed repair suture in which the barb direction isreversed along one half of the length relative to the other (not shown)may be used. In embodiments that utilize the bi-directional barbedsuture, repair loop 20 is formed by the segment of the suture where thebarbs change direction, and both ends of the bi-directional barbedsuture (not shown) pass through anchor body 10. Working suture 25includes a one-way locking, sliding knot 95.

FIG. 36 shows the suture anchor system 5 of FIG. 35 in the deployed(i.e., laterally expanded) and locked (i.e., repair suture 15 is lockedto anchor body 10) state. The barbed repair suture 15 is constructed insuch a way that it can slide through anchor body 10 in one direction,but not in the other direction. This characteristic causes repair suture15 to be held in position even before anchor body 10 is deployed (i.e.,laterally expanded) in the bone hole. Anchor body 10 is deployed (i.e.,laterally expanded) in the bone hole by applying a proximal force toworking suture 25. More particularly bone-engagement features 55A, 55Bof anchor body 10 interact with the side wall of the bone hole andprevent suture anchor 5 from moving proximally out of the bone holeduring the initial insertion of anchor body 10 into the bone hole.Thereafter applying a proximal force to working suture 25 causes twoactions to occur:

(i) one-way locking, sliding knot 95 formed in working suture 25 slidesalong the limb of working suture 25, causing anchor body 10 tolongitudinally compress and laterally expand—this lateral expansionsecures anchor body 10 in the bone hole, and the locking nature ofone-way locking, sliding knot 95 in working suture 25 prevents workingsuture 25 from sliding in the opposite direction once locked, thuspreventing anchor body 10 from reverting to its initial, unexpandedstate; and

(ii) the expansion of anchor body 10 compresses repair suture 15 againstthe side wall of the bone hole, barbs 105 engage with anchor body 10 andsecure repair suture 15 to anchor body 10.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show another suture anchor system 5 which also utilizesthree elements, i.e., anchor body 10 which is longitudinally andlaterally deformable, and which is preferably in the form of a braidedsuture tube, repair suture 15 which is connected to the target tissuevia repair loop 20, and working suture 25 which deploys anchor body 10and secures repair suture 15 to anchor body 10. Each end of workingsuture 25 is passed through one end of anchor body 10. A stopper knot 80is tied at the end of each limb of working suture 25 so that bothstopper knots 80 are disposed within anchor body 10. As shown in FIG.37, stopper knots 80 are initially disposed distal of repair loop 20 andare preferably longitudinally staggered so that anchor body 10 can havea minimal diameter profile.

Both limbs of repair suture 15 are loaded through one end of anchor body10, passed through internal windows 75 in anchor body 10, and exitthrough the other end of anchor body 10. In the pre-deployed state (FIG.37), repair suture 15 is able to slide through anchor body 10 of sutureanchor 5. Anchor body 10 is inserted into the bone hole in the stateshown in FIG. 37 using an inserter (such as the inserter I shown in FIG.37 but not shown in FIG. 38 for clarity).

FIG. 38 shows the suture anchor system 5 of FIG. 37 in a deployed (i.e.,laterally expanded) and locked (i.e., repair suture 15 is locked toanchor body 10) state. Suture anchor 5 is expanded and locked byapplying a proximal force to working suture 25. More particularly,bone-engagement features 55A, 55B of anchor body 10 interact with thewall of the bone hole and prevent anchor body 10 from moving proximallyout of the bone hole during initial insertion of anchor body 10 into thebone hole. Thereafter applying a proximal force to working suture 25causes two actions to occur:

(i) stopper knots 80 of working suture 25 move proximally, and from astaggered configuration to a parallel or non-staggered configuration—asthis occurs, the reduced diameter of the proximal ends of anchor body 10keeps stopper knots 80 of working suture 25 from pulling all of the wayout of anchor body 10, thereby causing anchor body 10 to longitudinallycompress and laterally expand as stopper knots 80 wedge themselvestogether in the bone hole and secure anchor body 10 in the bone hole;and

(ii) the wedging effect of stopper knots 80 of working suture 25compress repair suture 15—the friction caused by this compressionsecures repair suture 15 to anchor body 10.

Additional Constructions

Looking next at FIGS. 39-41, there is shown another suture anchor system5 which also utilizes three elements, i.e., anchor body 10 which islongitudinally and laterally deformable, and which is preferably in theform of a braided suture, repair suture 15 having repair loop 20, andworking suture 25. In this form of the invention, anchor body 10preferably comprises a woven tape (e.g., a relatively flat, elongatedstructure) that is made of woven fibers; alternatively, anchor body 10can comprise a braided structure. In this form of the invention, anchorbody 10 is also preferably formed in a “J” configuration, generallycomprising a primary section 110, an arc 115 and a return section 120.Working suture 25 preferably passes alongside primary section 110 in thedistal direction, then passes through primary section 110 near arc 115,then passes through return section 120, and then weaves in and out ofprimary section 110 in a proximal direction. After a final pass throughprimary section 110 near the proximal end of anchor body 10, workingsuture 25 forms a knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot). Both strands ofrepair suture 15, as well as one strand of working suture 25, passthrough knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot). In this form of theinvention, knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) locks repair loop 20 toanchor body 10, as well as locks anchor body 10 in a collapsed state(i.e., in a laterally-expanded state).

Suture anchor 5 may be deployed in the following manner:

1. Repair suture 15 is passed through the target tissue which is to beattached to the bone, and then repair suture 15 is loaded (e.g.,threaded) onto anchor body 10, i.e., by passing the two strands ofrepair suture 20 through knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) of workingsuture 25.

2. Anchor body 10 is inserted into the bone hole with an inserter (e.g.,such as the inserter tool I, shown in FIG. 39 but not shown in FIGS. 40and 41 for clarity). The tip of the inserter preferably engages theinner surface of arc 115 of anchor body 10 so that a pushing actionpushes anchor body 10 into the bone hole. See FIG. 39.

3. Tension is pulled on one or both strands of working suture 25 so asto at least partially deploy anchor body 10 within the bone hole. Moreparticularly, pulling on one or both strands of working suture 25 causesanchor body 10 to be pulled into a folded shape which contractslongitudinally and expands laterally so as to engage the side walls ofthe bone hole. See FIG. 40.

4. The surgeon can now adjust the tension on the free ends of repairsuture 15, whereby to pull the soft tissue into a desired positionagainst the bone.

5. One or both strands of working suture 25 are then further tensionedso as to tighten knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) and hence lock bothstrands of repair suture 20 to anchor body 10, as well to lock onestrand of working suture 25, whereby to ensure that anchor body 10remains in a collapsed state (i.e., laterally-expanded and engaging thebone). See FIG. 41. Note that only one strand of working suture 25 needsto be locked in order to hold anchor body 10 in a collapsed (i.e.,laterally-expanded) state and keep knot 35 coupled to anchor body 10,because that strand of working suture 25 creates a locked loop 125 thatholds anchor body 10 in its collapsed state.

6. The inserter (e.g., such as the inserter tool I) is then disengagedfrom anchor body 10 and removed from the implant location.

In an alternative embodiment, the surgeon can adjust the tension ofrepair suture 20 between Steps 2 and 3 (rather than at Step 4 asdiscussed above).

This form of the invention may include variations of the foregoinganchor construction. By way of example but not limitation, the strandsof working suture 25 may be passed through anchor body 10 at more (orfewer) locations, and/or at different locations, than as shown in FIGS.39-41. In addition, anchor body 10 may not collapse into the foldedcondition as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, but may collapse into a differentshape (but still expand laterally so as to create adequate anchorpull-out strength in the bone hole).

Looking next at FIGS. 42 and 43, there is shown another suture anchorsystem 5 which also utilizes three elements, i.e., anchor body 10 whichis longitudinally and laterally deformable, and which is preferably inthe form of a braided suture, repair suture 15 including repair loop 20,and working suture 25. In this form of the invention, anchor body 10preferably comprises a woven tape or braided structure. The two freeends 60A, 60B of the tape may be fused (e.g., melted) or otherwisetreated so as to form a stiffer end feature that increases engagement ofanchor body 10 with the surrounding bone (i.e., so as to be less likelyto slip against the side wall of a bone hole), thereby providing greaterpull-out strength of anchor body 10 within the bone hole. Theaforementioned fusing of the tape at the ends of anchor body 10 willalso help to keep the woven fibers together and prevent unravelingand/or splaying of the woven fibers of the tape. Working suture 25 ispassed through anchor body 10, preferably in the manner shown in FIGS.42 and 43, so as to create a “horseshoe” shape for anchor body 10. Onestrand 130 of working suture 25 is sometimes referred to herein asWorking Strand 1 (WS1) and the other strand 135 of working suture 25 issometimes referred to herein as Working Strand 2 (WS2). A knot 35 (e.g.,a constrictor knot or a Boa knot) is tied in WS2 135 in a position nearthe bottom of the horseshoe (see FIG. 42). Working suture 25 is passedin and out of anchor body 10, through the woven fibers of the tape.Working suture 25 connects the two free ends of the tape as shown inFIG. 42, preferably below bone-engagement features 55A, 55B (i.e., wherethe ends of the tape are fused so as to form a stiffer feature). WS1 130is passed through knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) that is tied in WS2135. Repair suture 15 is passed through the tissue so as to createrepair loop 20. The ends of repair loop 20 are then passed through knot35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) formed in WS2 135.

The suture anchor system 5 of FIGS. 42 and 43 may be utilized in thefollowing manner:

1. Repair suture 15 is passed through the soft tissue which is to beattached to the bone and then repair suture 15 is loaded (e.g.,threaded) onto anchor body 10 (i.e., by passing the two strands ofrepair suture 15 through knot 35).

2. Anchor body 10 is inserted into the bone hole with an inserter (e.g.,such as the inserter tool I, shown in FIG. 42 but not shown in FIG. 43for clarity). The tip of the inserter preferably engages the inside arcof the horseshoe-shaped anchor body 10 so that a pushing action advancesanchor body 10 into the bone hole.

3. The surgeon tensions the strands of repair suture 15 so as to pullthe soft tissue into position against the bone.

4. Tension is applied to WS1 130 (but only to WS1 130) so as to deployanchor body 10. By pulling tension on WS1 130, anchor body 10 changesshape from the horseshoe shape (FIG. 42) to an accordion shape (FIG.43). This accordion shape further lodges anchor body 10 in the bonehole, as anchor body 10 contracts longitudinally and expands laterally,thereby creating an interference fit with the side wall of the bonehole.

5. Tension is then applied to WS2 135 (but only to WS2 135) so as toactuate knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot). The tension on WS2 135causes knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) to constrict, therebyreconfiguring knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) from an unlocked stateto a locked state. Knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) locks repairsuture 15 to anchor body 10. Knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) alsolocks onto WS2 135 (and hence locks WS1 130 to WS2 135), effectivelykeeping anchor body 10 in a collapsed state (i.e., in alaterally-expanded condition) so as to ensure that anchor body 10remains engaged in the bone hole.

6. Following the aforementioned steps, the inserter (e.g., such as theinserter tool I) is disengaged from anchor body 10 and removed from theimplant location.

Variations may be made to the foregoing approach for utilizing thesuture anchor system 5 of FIGS. 42 and 43. For example, the process toactuate the suture anchor system 5 may comprise the following additionalstep which would be effected between Steps 2 and 3 above:

2A. Tension is applied, simultaneously, to both WS1 130 and WS2 135 soas to seat anchor body 10 in the bone hole. Pulling tension on WS1 130and WS2 135 allows the bone-engagement features 55A, 55B of body 10 toengage the side wall of the bone hole to prevent anchor body 10 frompulling out of the bone hole. Pulling tension on WS1 130 and WS2 135also initiates the change in shape of anchor body 10 from the“horseshoe” shape (FIG. 42) to the “accordion” shape (FIG. 43). However,the tensioning force applied to WS1 130 and WS2 135 is not so great asto lock knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot), and hence still allows thetension on repair suture 15 to be adjusted prior to final locking.

This embodiment of the invention may also include variations to theanchor construction. For example, the strands of working suture 25(i.e., WS1 130 and WS2 135) may pass through anchor body 10 at more (orless) locations, and/or at different locations, than those shown inFIGS. 42 and 43. In addition, the shape of anchor body 10 may notcollapse into the folded condition as shown in FIG. 43, but may collapseinto a different shape (and still expand laterally so as to createadequate pull-out strength in the bone hole).

Looking next at FIGS. 44 and 45, there is shown another suture anchorsystem 5 which also utilizes three elements, i.e., anchor body 10 whichis longitudinally and laterally deformable, and which is preferably inthe form of a braided suture tube, repair suture 15 including repairloop 20, and working suture 25. By pushing on the center of anchor body10 with the distal tip of an inserter (e.g., such as the inserter toolI, shown in FIG. 44 but not shown in FIG. 45 for clarity), the wings ofanchor body 10 can fold inwardly so as to enter the bone hole andthereafter be laterally expanded within the bone hole so as to engagethe side wall of the bone hole, whereby to secure anchor body 10 in thebone hole. Thereafter retracting the bridge of anchor body 10 willfurther longitudinally contract, and laterally expand, anchor body 10,thereby applying a larger lateral force within the bone hole, and hencefurther securing anchor body 10 to the side wall of the bone hole.

Thus, with this form of the invention, anchor body 10 is initiallysecured in place within the bone hole, repair suture 15 is tensioned soas to pull the soft tissue into place, and then working suture 25 ispulled proximally in order to deploy anchor body 10 and to lock repairsuture 15 in place using knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot).

In FIG. 44, working suture 25 passes through a portion of anchor body 10and comprises a knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) located approximatelyat the bridge of the anchor body. Both strands of repair suture 15 passthrough knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot), but not through the anchorbody.

In this form of the invention, the inboard working suture 25 is used tolaterally expand anchor body 10 and the outboard working suture 25 isused to tighten knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) (thus locking repairsuture 15 to anchor body 10). Lateral expansion of anchor body 10 mayoccur before or after cinching of repair suture 15. So the order ofoperation is preferably as follows once anchor body 10 has been placedin the bone hole: (i) adjust tension of repair suture 15 (i.e.,cinching) to achieve desired position of soft tissue to bone; (ii)tension inboard working suture 25 to laterally expand anchor body 10;and (iii) tension outboard working suture 25 to lock knot 35 (e.g., aconstrictor knot). It should be appreciated that, if desired, Steps (i)and (ii) could be reversed, inasmuch as compression/expansion of anchorbody 10 does not affect the ability of repair suture 15 to be tensioned.

FIG. 45 shows the suture anchor system 5 of FIG. 44 in its deployedcondition.

FIGS. 46 and 47 show a construction similar to that of FIGS. 44 and 45,except that knot 35 (e.g., a constrictor knot) is disposed adjacent toone leg of anchor body 10, rather than at the bridge of anchor body 10.

Use of the Novel Suture Anchor System for Other Attachments

It should be appreciated that suture anchor system 5 may also be usedfor attaching other soft tissue of the hip joint, or for attachingtissue of other joints, or for attaching tissue elsewhere in the body.In this respect it should be appreciated that suture anchor system 5 maybe used to attach soft tissue to bone or soft tissue to other softtissue, or to attach objects (e.g., prostheses) to bone or other tissue.

Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments

It should be understood that many additional changes in the details,materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been hereindescribed and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the presentinvention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remainingwithin the principles and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for securing a first object to a secondobject, said apparatus comprising: an anchor body which islongitudinally and laterally deformable; and a working suture which isconnected to said anchor body; said anchor body and said working suturebeing configured such that, when at least one of said anchor body andsaid working suture receives a repair suture which is connected to thefirst object, and said anchor body is thereafter disposed in a hole inthe second object, applying tension to said working suture secures saidanchor body to the second object and secures said repair suture to saidanchor body without requiring that a knot be tied after said anchor bodyis disposed in the hole in the second object.
 2. Apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein applying tension to said working suture causes saidanchor body to longitudinally contract and laterally expand. 3.Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said working suture extendsthrough at least one opening in said anchor body, wherein said workingsuture comprises a knot having an unlocked configuration and a lockedconfiguration, and wherein the repair suture is slidably received insaid knot when said knot is in its unlocked configuration and the repairsuture is locked within said knot when said knot is in its lockedconfiguration.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said knotcomprises a binding knot.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein saidanchor body is substantially straight prior to tensioning said workingsuture.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said anchor body issubstantially J-shaped prior to tensioning said working suture. 7.Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said anchor body is substantiallyU-shaped prior to tensioning said working suture.
 8. Apparatus accordingto claim 7 wherein said anchor body comprises a substantially tubularcross-section, and wherein said working suture further comprises atleast one Weston knot.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein saidanchor body comprises a substantially tubular cross-section, and whereinsaid working suture further comprises an enlargement.
 10. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said working suture extends through atleast one opening in said anchor body, wherein said working suturecomprises a knot having an unlocked configuration and a lockedconfiguration, and wherein the repair suture is slidably received insaid anchor body before tension is applied to said working suture andthe repair suture is locked within said anchor body when tension isapplied to said working suture.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 10further comprising said repair suture, wherein said repair suturecomprises an opening, wherein said repair suture comprises a segmentwhich extends through said opening, wherein said repair suture passesthrough said anchor body, and further wherein at least one of saidrepair suture and said anchor body comprise means for permitting saidrepair suture to move relative to said anchor body in one directionwhile preventing said repair suture from moving relative to said anchorbody in an opposite direction.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 1wherein said anchor body comprises at least one from the groupconsisting of braided structure and a woven structure.
 13. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the first object comprises soft tissue. 14.Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the soft tissue compriseslabrum.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second objectcomprises bone.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the bonecomprises acetabulum.
 17. A method for securing a first object to asecond object, said method comprising: providing apparatus comprising:an anchor body which is longitudinally and laterally deformable; and aworking suture which is connected to said anchor body; said anchor bodyand said working suture being configured such that, when at least one ofsaid anchor body and said working suture receives a repair suture whichis connected to the first object, and said anchor body is thereafterdisposed in a hole in the second object, applying tension to saidworking suture secures said anchor body to the second object and securessaid repair suture to said anchor body without requiring that a knot betied after said anchor body is disposed in the hole in the secondobject; passing the repair suture through the first object passing therepair suture through at least one of said anchor body and said workingsuture; disposing said anchor body in a hole in the second object; andapplying tension to said working suture to secure said anchor body tothe second object and secure said repair suture to said anchor bodywithout requiring that a knot be tied after said anchor body is disposedin the hole in the second object.
 18. A method according to claim 17wherein tension is applied to the repair suture prior to securing theanchor body to the second object and securing the repair suture to saidanchor body.
 19. A method according to claim 17 wherein tension isapplied to the repair suture after securing the anchor body to thesecond object but prior to securing the repair suture to said anchorbody.
 20. A method according to claim 17 wherein applying tension tosaid working suture causes said anchor body to longitudinally contractand laterally expand.
 21. A method according to claim 17 wherein saidworking suture extends through at least one opening in said anchor body,wherein said working suture comprises a knot having an unlockedconfiguration and a locked configuration, and wherein the repair sutureis slidably received in said knot when said knot is in its unlockedconfiguration and the repair suture is locked within said knot when saidknot is in its locked configuration.
 22. A method according to claim 21wherein said knot comprises a binding knot.
 23. A method according toclaim 22 wherein said anchor body is substantially straight prior totensioning said working suture.
 24. A method according to claim 22wherein said anchor body is substantially J-shaped prior to tensioningsaid working suture.
 25. A method according to claim 22 wherein saidanchor body is substantially U-shaped prior to tensioning said workingsuture.
 26. A method according to claim 25 wherein said anchor bodycomprises a substantially tubular cross-section, and wherein saidworking suture further comprises at least one Weston knot.
 27. A methodaccording to claim 25 wherein said anchor body comprises a substantiallytubular cross-section, and wherein said working suture further comprisesan enlargement.
 28. A method according to claim 17 wherein said workingsuture extends through at least one opening in said anchor body, whereinsaid working suture comprises a knot having an unlocked configurationand a locked configuration, and wherein the repair suture is slidablyreceived in said anchor body before tension is applied to said workingsuture and the repair suture is locked within said anchor body whentension is applied to said working suture.
 29. A method according toclaim 28 further comprising said repair suture, wherein said repairsuture comprises an opening, wherein said repair suture comprises asegment which extends through said opening, wherein said repair suturepasses through said anchor body, and further wherein at least one ofsaid repair suture and said anchor body comprise means for permittingsaid repair suture to move relative to said anchor body in one directionwhile preventing said repair suture from moving relative to said anchorbody in an opposite direction.
 30. A method according to claim 17wherein said anchor body comprises at least one from the groupconsisting of a braided structure and a woven structure.
 31. A methodaccording to claim 17 wherein the first object comprises soft tissue.32. A method according to claim 31 wherein the soft tissue compriseslabrum.
 33. A method according to claim 17 wherein the second objectcomprises bone.
 34. A method according to claim 33 wherein the bonecomprises acetabulum.